Tartar Buildup
Tartar is hardened plaque, and professional cleaning is needed when brushing and flossing can no longer remove it.
[2]The short answer
Tartar may feel rough or hard on the tooth. When gum disease is present, the gums may become red, swollen, sore, or bleed during brushing.
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What does tartar buildup feel like?
How does tartar form?
What can you do tonight?
Brush for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and clean gently between teeth. Floss or interdental brushes reach spaces a toothbrush cannot clean well.
[3]How is tartar identified?
A dental examination can identify hardened deposits, plaque, and gum changes. Plaque-disclosing solutions or tablets can show areas where buildup remains.
[2]How is tartar removed?
Tartar is removed during professional teeth cleaning. Brushing and flossing remove plaque and debris, but they do not remove deposits that have already hardened.
[3]How can tartar be prevented?
What happens if tartar stays?
Persistent plaque and tartar can contribute to gum disease. Some people with periodontal disease need cleanings more often than every six months.
[3]Frequently asked questions
Can brushing remove tartar?
Brushing and interdental cleaning remove plaque and debris, but hardened tartar is removed through professional cleaning.
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